SPORTS LINE
The Milwaukee Brewers, ‘Mr. Baseball’ Bob Uecker, Brewers announcer, died at 90.
The Milwaukee Brewers, whose games Uecker had broadcast for over half a century, announced his death Thursday morning while calling it “one of the most difficult days in Milwaukee Brewers history.” In a statement released by the club, Uecker’s family said he had battled small cell lung cancer since early 2023. Born and raised in Milwaukee, Uecker was a beloved member of the community and a pillar of the sport. He broadcast Brewers games for the last 54 seasons. Uecker signed his first professional contract with the Milwaukee Braves in 1956 and reached the majors in 1962. He’d last six seasons in the big leagues as a backup catcher, finishing with a .200 average and 14 homers. Uecker
Bob Uecker, 1934-2025
also befriended former Brewers owner and baseball Commissioner Bud Selig, who initially hired him as a scout. Selig liked to joke about how Uecker’s initial scouting report was stained with mashed potatoes and gravy. Selig eventually brought Uecker to the broadcast booth. Uecker became the voice of the Brewers in 1971. Uecker remained with the club from that point on. He got his big break off the field after opening for Don Rickles at Al Hirt’s nightclub in Atlanta in 1969. That performance caught Hirt’s attention, and the musician set him up to appear on “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson. He became one of Carson’s favorite guests, making more than 100 appearances. Carson was the one who dubbed Uecker “Mr. Baseball.” And the name stuck. Even as his celebrity status grew nationwide, Uecker savored the opportunity to continue calling games in his hometown. Uecker presided over the stirring ceremony that closed Milwaukee County Stadium in 2000. When the Brewers’ new stadium opened as Miller Park in 2001, the team began selling “Uecker seats” high in the upper deck and obstructed for a $1. The stadium, now known as American Family Field, has two statues in Uecker’s honor. There’s one outside the stadium and another in the back of Section 422, a nod to the Miller Lite commercial in which he famously said, “I must be in the front row!” while getting taken to one of the worst seats in the ballpark. Uecker was a regular presence in the Brewers clubhouse throughout his broadcasting career. Players who were well over a half-century younger than Uecker loved being around him, whether they were seeking advice or just wanted to hear his anecdotes. After the Brewers were eliminated from the playoffs, Uecker made sure to visit the locker room and offer support to players in a way only he could. Yelich said afterward the toughest part of the night was talking to Uecker because the Brewers knew how badly the longtime broadcaster wanted to see Milwaukee win a World Series.
The Milwaukee Bucks.
The team is finally starting to play some really good basketball. They have won six of their last seven games and have risen to fourth in the Eastern Conference standings. The Bucks are trying to play some good basketball right now while also keeping their eyes out for a deal that can make them even better. They are one of the teams to watch when it comes to making a move at the trade deadline. Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to play great basketball. During a game against the Raptors last week Antetokounmpo came into the night with outstanding averages of 31.3 points, 11.8 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 1.4 blocks per contest while shooting 60.1% from the field in 33 games. The superstar forward put up 22 points, seven rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block while shooting 7/12 from the field and 0/1 from the three-point range in his first 20 minutes of playing time. They need someone who can help share his load on defense, particularly at the wing position. Even though the Bucks sit fourth in the East at the moment, they are just two games ahead of Miami for the ninth spot. Any sort of slide would be problematic for them. Rumors continue to circulate regarding Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler. After voicing his frustrations with the organization, rumors and proposals suggest that it is possible for the six-time All-Star to join the Milwaukee Bucks. Butler would at least greatly improve Milwaukee’s ceiling.
